SEPANG, Oct 21 — The first batch of 446 returning Haj pilgrims arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), here, tonight.

The Saudi Arabian Airlines plane carrying them arrived at about 11.15pm after departing from the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at about 9.45am local time (2.50pm, Malaysian time).

Tabung Haji (TH) chairman, Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said there was a delay of two hours in Jeddah due to congestion at the airport.

“There will be 64 flights bringing home Malaysian Haj pilgrims from today until November 18,” he said when met after welcoming home the 446 pilgrims.

Also present was TH managing director and chief executive officer, Datuk Ismee Ismail.

Several family members and relatives of the pilgrims had been waiting at KLIA since 7pm for their return.

Beginning today, Malaysian Haj pilgrims who entered the Holy Land via Madinah last month will fly home in stages through Jeddah.

Those who entered through Makkah, will leave for Madinah in stages beginning October 28 and stay there for eight days before departing from Madinah Airport. — Bernama